With more than 30 years’ experience in the residential and commercial water treatment space, Mark Nelson is a Class 1 Drinking-Water Operator and a CBWA (Canadian Bottled Water Association) Certified Plant Operator. As founder and president of Nelson Water in Ottawa, Mark focuses on dealing with challenging water treatment system designs for problem water. He also heads the largest water bottling plant in the city of Ottawa with a delivery network throughout the Valley.
Most of us are aware that we should drink eight glasses of water each day, but this is more than just basic health advice. Drinking water provides some fantastic health benefits; we’ll explore in more detail here.
Maintaining Hydration
The human body is over 60% water, and we need adequate fluid to continue functioning properly. Water is required in order to hydrate the cells, tissues, and muscles of the body, but it also needed for brain and organ function. If you’ve got a headache when you wake up in the morning, the chances are you didn’t drink enough water the night before.
Energizes Your Muscles
If you’re not consuming the level of water needed by your body, your cells can become fatigued and fail to work as they should. This makes drinking water vital when you’re exercising as it can energize your muscles. If you find your muscles are aching, you need to be aware that it is a common symptom of dehydration and your body is crying out for a drink of water.
Controlling Calorie Intake
Swapping out juice or other sugary drinks is an easy way to drastically cut your calorie intake. With most fizzy drinks providing over 100 calories per glass, you may be drinking 1000 calories each day without even realizing it. So, if you’re struggling to shift a little weight, drinking water will help you to feel fuller and control your calorie intake.
Healthier Looking Skin
If your skin is feeling tired and dull, you may not need to invest in a new, expensive skin cream; you may be able to correct the issues by drinking more water. Dehydration not only dryness, but it can also create wrinkles. By keeping your skin hydrated with plenty of water, it will appear more plump and youthful. Proper hydration can also help deliver adequate oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells, to encourage skin repair.
Maintain Proper Kidney Function
The primary responsibility of your kidneys is to cleanse the body and eliminate toxins. Proper hydration is vital for this process, and if you’re not drinking enough water, your kidneys will be unable to perform their function correctly. If you don’t drink enough water, you’re also at a higher risk of developing kidney stones.
Energizing Your Brain
If you find yourself suffering from an afternoon slump in concentration, you don’t need to reach for a sugary treat, as a glass of water could be just what you need. Tiredness and poor concentration are common signs of dehydration. So, ensuring you’re drinking enough water can help you feel more alert and refreshed; keeping your concentration going throughout the day.
A Better Night’s Sleep
Finally, drinking water can help you to get a better night’s sleep. Even mild dehydration can cause disruption to your sleep. Dehydration causes your nasal passages and mouth to become dry, encouraging snoring and sleep apnea. Additionally, a lack of fluid can lead to leg camps; fragmenting your sleep and making it difficult to get back to sleep. So, if you want to get a good night’s sleep, be sure to enjoy a glass of water or two before bed.